kangra

Ancient Kangra: The Trigarta Kingdom and Early Inhabitants (Up to c. 1000 CE)

• c. 1000 BCE: Establishment of Trigarta Kingdom (also Jalandhara), traditionally by the Katoch Dynasty.
  • Ruler: Raja Susarman/Susharman (Mahabharata era, early Iron Age).
    • Participated in Kurukshetra War (ally of Kauravas).
    • Credited with building Nagarkot Fort (Kangra Fort).
  • Other Name: Bhimagar (traditionally founded by Raja Bhim).
  • Capitals: Jalandhar (plains), Nagarkot/Kangra (hills). Formerly Multan (Vedic period).
• 5th Century BCE (Pāṇini’s Ashtadhyayi): First documented mention of Trigarta as a martial republic (“Ayudhjeevi Sangha”) and a confederation of six states (“Trigarta-Shashthas”).
• Mahabharata (epic): Features Trigarta, referring to it as a confederation of seven ganas.
• 1st-2nd Century CE:
  • Pathiar and Kanhiara rock inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts.
  • Kanhiara inscription mentions a garden (“arama”).
  • Pathiar inscription refers to a Vyakrana (rest house/shrine) by a Yavana.
  • Ruler: Tripur Chandra (c. 150 AD) fought Ram Deo of Kanauj, established marriage alliance.
• 4th-5th Century CE: Trigarta subjugated during Samudragupta’s military campaigns.
• 326 BCE (Alexander’s Invasion): Greek chroniclers mentioned Kshatriaioi (Kshatriyas) as rulers of Trigarta. Altars reportedly erected near Indaura.
• 635 AD: Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited Jalandhar (part of Trigarta), described it as 1000 li (approx. 267 km) in breadth.
• c. 643 AD: Raja Adam Chandra (Katoch ruler) was a contemporary of Emperor Harsh Vardhan of Kanauj and was reportedly visited by Hiuen Tsang.
• 8th Century CE (Kalhana’s Rajatarangini): Notes Trigarta rulers acknowledged supremacy of Karkota dynasty of Kashmir.
• 10th Century CE (Chamba Inscription): Trigarta Raja subdued by Sahilavarman of Chamba, became an ally.
• Ptolemy (Greek Geographer): Referred to Kangra as “Kalindarine.”

The Katoch Dynasty: Ascendancy and Consolidation (c. 1170 CE – Early 18th Century)

• c. 1170 AD: Raja Padam Chandra (Katoch ruler).
  • Descendants founded Jaswan and Dattarpur states.
  • Aided Prithviraj Chauhan against Muhammad Ghori.
• c. 1200-1221 AD: Raja Jai Sinha Chandra.
• 1204 AD: Baijnath Temple (originally Kiragrama) extensively renovated/rebuilt by local merchants Ahuka and Manyuka.
• c. 1330 AD: Raja Prithvi Chandra II (Katoch ruler).
  • “Pithana Coins” issued.
• 1333 AD (or 1337 AD): Muhammad bin Tughlaq launched an expedition against Kangra Fort (largely unsuccessful).
• c. 1341 AD: Raja Purab Chandra (Katoch ruler) issued “Bul Asharfi coin.”
• c. 1360 AD: Raja Rup Chandra V (Katoch ruler).
  • Reportedly looted villages up to Delhi.
  • Firoz Shah Tughlaq led a force against Kangra Fort; fort surrendered after siege, Nagarkot temple plundered.
  • Issued “Rupmundra Coins.”
• c. 1375 AD: Raja Shringar Chandra IV (Katoch ruler).
  • Received title ‘Miyan’.
  • Issued “Singa coins.”
• c. 1390 AD: Raja Megh Chand II (Katoch ruler).
  • Issued “Meghmudra.”
• c. 1391-1398 AD: Timur’s forces invaded; Megh Chandra II fought against them.
• c. 1405 AD: Raja Hari Chandra I (Katoch ruler) founded Guler state.
• c. 1415 AD: Raja Karam Chand (Katoch ruler).
• c. 1420 AD: Raja Karm Chandra II (Katoch ruler).
  • Received title ‘Bada Raja’.
  • Issued “Karam mudra coins.”
• c. 1429 AD: Raja Sansar Chandra I (Katoch ruler) issued “Sansar mudra coins.”
• c. 1450 AD: Raja Devnagga Chandra (Katoch ruler) issued “Avtar coins.”
• c. 1473-1513 AD: Raja Bhil Pal (Nurpur, Pathania). Contemporary of Sikandar Lodhi, assisted him.
• c. 1513-1558 AD: Raja Bakht Mal (Nurpur, Pathania).
  • Supported Lodhi dynasty, then Sur dynasty.
  • Fort of Maukot erected by Salim Shah Sur during his reign.
  • Supported Sikandar Shah Sur against Akbar; executed by Bairam Khan (1558 AD).
• c. 1528 AD: Raja Dharam Chandra II (Katoch ruler).
  • Issued “Dharam Mudra.”
• 1556 AD: Raja Dharam Chand II formally submitted to Emperor Akbar; received title ‘Maharaja’.
• 1556 AD: Akbar’s forces occupied Kangra Fort. Fertile Kangra valley declared imperial demesne.
• c. 1580-1613 AD: Raja Basu Dev (Nurpur, Pathania).
  • Transferred capital to Dhameri (later renamed Nurpur by his son Jagat Singh).
  • Revolted against Mughals multiple times (1585, 1589-90, 1594-95, 1602-03, 1603-04).
• c. 1585 AD: Raja Bidhi Chandra (Katoch ruler) revolted against Akbar and formed an alliance of hill states.
• c. 1607 AD: Raja Trilok Chandra III (Katoch ruler) asserted autonomy, started own coinage (“Trilok Mudra”), and revolted against Mughals.
• c. 1610 AD: Raja Rup Chand (Guler, Pathania). Played active part in final siege of Kangra Fort.
• c. 1613-1618 AD: Raja Suraj Mal (Nurpur, Pathania).
  • Initially ordered to join Mughal forces at Kangra Fort siege.
  • Stirred up trouble, revolted against Imperial authority, ravaged praganas.
  • Fled to Chamba state, died there.
• c. 1615 AD: Raja Hari Chand II (Katoch ruler).
• November 1620 AD: Kangra Fort finally surrendered to Mughal forces (Prince Khurram/Shah Jahan) after a 14-month siege.
  • Raja Hari Chand II was killed.
  • Nawab Ali Khan appointed first Mughal Governor (Qiladar).
• 1621 AD (or 1622 AD): Emperor Jahangir visited Kangra. Ordered bullock slaughter, mosque built inside fort, ‘Jahangiri Darwaza’ named.
• c. 1627 AD: Raja Chander Bhan Chandra II (Katoch ruler).
  • Waged guerrilla warfare against Mughals.
  • Built Chandra Bhan Ka Qila.
  • Died in Mughal captivity in Delhi.
• c. 1619-1646 AD: Raja Jagat Singh (Nurpur, Pathania).
  • Assisted Mughals in final capture of Kangra Fort.
  • Initially served Mughal court.
  • Revolted against Shah Jahan along with his son Rajrup in 1640 AD.
  • Built Taragarh Fort.
  • His name changed from Dhameri to Nurpur in honor of Empress Nur Jahan.
• c. 1646-1661 AD: Raja Rajrup Singh (Nurpur, Pathania).
  • Son of Jagat Singh.
  • Served Aurangzeb in later years.
• c. 1658 AD: Raja Vijayram Chandra (Katoch ruler) built palace at Bijapur Fort.
• c. 1661-1700 AD: Raja Mandhata (Nurpur, Pathania).
  • Held high offices under Mughals.
• c. 1691 AD: Raja Bhim Chand (Katoch ruler) is noted in family tree for receiving ‘Dharam Rakshak’ title from Guru Gobind Singh. (Note: This is often confused with Bhim Chand of Kahlur, who allied with Guru Gobind Singh).
• c. 1697 AD: Raja Alam Chandra II (Katoch ruler) built Alampur.
• c. 1700 AD: Raja Hamir Chandra (Katoch ruler) founded Hamirgarh fort and Hamirpur town.
• c. 1700-1735 AD: Raja Dayadhata (Nurpur, Pathania).

Era of Resurgence and External Interventions (c. 1751 – 1846 AD)

• c. 1751-1774 AD: Raja Ghamand Chand Katoch.
  • 1758 AD: Appointed Nazim (Governor) of Jullundur Doab by Ahmad Shah Durrani; received hereditary title “Nizam-i-Jalandhar.”
  • Recovered most lost territories for Kangra.
  • Rebuilt Pathiar Fort.
  • Established new capital at Tira Sujanpur (as Kangra Fort was held by Mughals).
• Until 1783 AD: Nawab Saif Ali Khan was the last significant Mughal Governor (Qiladar) of Kangra Fort.
• 1774 AD: Raja Tegh Chand (son of Ghamand Chand) succeeded.
• 1775 AD: Raja Tegh Chand died; Maharaja Sansar Chand II (Katoch ruler) ascended the throne at a young age.
• 1783 AD: Nawab Saif Ali Khan died; his son Jiwan Khan surrendered Kangra Fort to Sikh Misl leader Jai Singh Kanhaiya.
• c. 1786 AD (some sources 1783, 1785, or 1789 AD): Maharaja Sansar Chand II recaptured Kangra Fort through a treaty with Jai Singh Kanhaiya (after forming alliances with other Sikh Misl leaders).
• c. 1786-1805 AD: Maharaja Sansar Chand II’s “golden age.”
  • Established supremacy over almost all surrounding hill states.
  • Earned title “Pahari Badshah” (Emperor of the Mountains).
  • Patronized Kangra school of miniature painting (reached its zenith).
  • 1803 and 1804: His military expeditions into Punjab plains were repelled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• 1805 AD: Maharaja Sansar Chand II attacked Bilaspur (Kahlur), leading to a coalition of disgruntled hill rulers inviting Amar Singh Thapa (Gorkha commander).
• May 1806 AD: Battle of Mahal Mori.
  • Gorkha forces (under Amar Singh Thapa) decisively defeated Maharaja Sansar Chand’s army.
  • Sansar Chand took refuge in Kangra Fort.
• 1806-1809 AD: Gorkha occupation of Kangra region and siege of Kangra Fort (fort not captured). Period of severe hardship and devastation.
• 20th July 1809 AD: Treaty of Jawalamukhi signed between Maharaja Sansar Chand II and Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  • Ranjit Singh agreed to help expel Gorkhas.
  • Sansar Chand ceded Kangra Fort and 66 villages to Ranjit Singh.
• August 1809 AD: Sikhs (under Diwan Mokham Chand) decisively defeated Gorkhas, expelling them east of the Sutlej River.
• 24th August 1809 AD: Kangra Fort formally surrendered to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• 1809 AD: Sardar Desa Singh Majithia appointed as the first Sikh Nazim (Governor) of Kangra and its hill districts, also Qiladar of Kangra Fort.
• 1823 AD (or 1824 AD): Maharaja Sansar Chand II died. Succeeded by his son, Anirudh Chand.
• 1828 AD: Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed the entire remaining territory of Kangra State after Anirudh Chand abdicated rather than submit to a marriage demand.
• 1832 AD: Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia succeeded his father, Desa Singh, as Nazim of Kangra.

Kangra Under British Dominion (1846 – 1947 AD)

• 9th March 1846: Treaty of Lahore. Jalandhar Doab and hill territories (including Kangra) ceded to British East India Company after First Anglo-Sikh War.
• Mid-April to 28th May 1846: Kangra Fort captured by British forces after a siege. Sir Henry Lawrence reached fort on 3rd May 1846.
• 1846: Kangra becomes a district of British India, incorporated into British Punjab.
• 1849: Cantonment established at Dharamshala.
• c. 1850-1852 (Regular Settlement): G.C. Barnes’ Land Settlement began.
  • Established systematic revenue system, recorded land rights, fixed fair revenue for 20 years.
  • Recognized Warisee (hereditary cultivation right); village landholders recognized as proprietors of waste.
  • Total revised revenue demand fixed at Rs. 6,83,793.
• 1855: British administrative headquarters for Kangra district shifted from Kangra town to Dharamshala.
• 1857 (Great Revolt): Some disturbances reported in Kulu subdivision. Most Kangra hill rulers remained loyal or aloof.
• 1865-1872: J.B. Lyall’s Revised Land Settlement conducted.
  • Focused on perfecting the Record of Rights (Misl-i-Haqiqat) and documenting grazing/forest rights; no reassessment of revenue rates.
  • Detailed demarcation of hamlet boundaries (tikabandi).
• 1870: Title of ‘Maharaja’ restored to the head of the Katoch clan.
• 4th April 1905: Devastating earthquake struck Kangra.
  • Immense damage to Kangra town, Kangra Fort, Vajreshwari Temple.
  • Estimated 1,339 deaths in Kangra town, approx. 20,000 fatalities in wider region.
  • Damaged Kangra Fort returned by British to Maharaja Jai Chandra Katoch.
• Freedom Struggle Figures: Baba Kanshi Ram (“Pahari Gandhi” and “Bulbul-e-Pahar”) played a significant role.

Kangra in Independent India (Post-1947)

• 1948: Princely state of Kangra (under Raja Druv Dev Chand Katoch) merged with Dominion of India. Kangra remained part of Punjab state.
• 1st November 1966: Kangra district (along with other Punjab hill areas) merged with Himachal Pradesh (then Union Territory).
• 25th January 1971: Himachal Pradesh granted full statehood (18th state of Indian Union).
• 1st September 1972: Major administrative reorganization: Kangra district trifurcated; Una and Hamirpur carved out as separate districts. Present Kangra district formed.
• June 1997: Original administrative approval for Shahnehar Irrigation Project (completed 2013).
• 1st November 1978: Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV) established in Palampur.
• 2nd April 2012: Kangra School of Miniature Painting registered under Geographical Indication (GI) Act.
• As of May 2025: Kangra district comprises 14 Sub-Divisions, 19 Tehsils, 15 Sub-Tehsils, 16 Development Blocks.

Sure, here’s the chronological historical information about the offshoot states of Kangra (Guler, Jaswan, Siba, Datarpur, Nurpur, Bangahal, Kutlehr), presented in an exam-friendly point format:

Offshoot States of Kangra

I. Guler State

• Founder: Raja Hari Chandra I (Katoch ruler) of Kangra, around 1405 AD, when he got separated from his hunting party and founded the state.
• Original Name: Gwalior (derived from Gopala/Gwala).
• Capital: Haripur (founded by Hari Chand).
• Clan Name: Guleria (from Gwala).
• Early Rulers (no extant records): Manj Chand, Suvarn Chand, Udhyan Chand, Narindra Chand, Udham Chand, Ratan Chand, Nand Chand, Garuda Chand, Ghambir Chand, Abhay Chand, Uttam Chand, Prithvi Chand, Karam Chand.
• c. 1540 AD: Raja Ram Chand (15th Raja after Hari Chand). Mentioned in Tarikh-i-Daudil.
• c. 1570 AD: Raja Jagdish Chand.
  • 1572 AD: Guler did not participate in hill revolt against Akbar. Mughal emperor Akbar restored parts of Guler state (seized by Kangra rulers Dharam Chand and Jai Chand).
• c. 1605 AD: Raja Vijaya Chand (succeeded Jagdish Chand).
• c. 1610 AD: Raja Rup Chand (younger brother of Vijaya Chand).
  • Contributions: Most notable Guleria chief. Active in final siege of Kangra Fort (1620 AD), which surrendered to Mughals.
  • 1623-24 AD: Appointed to suppress Jagat Singh of Nurpur’s rebellion.
  • Received titles ‘Bahadur’ and ‘Dilawar’ and weapons from Emperor Jahangir.
  • 1634 AD: Assisted Mughal army in Garhwal invasion (under Qulij Khan). Killed in battle near Srinagar.
• c. 1635 AD: Raja Man Singh (son of Rup Chand).
  • Suffix of family changed to ‘Singh’ (admired by Shah Jahan for valour against Afghans).
  • Attached to Mughal army at sieges of Kangra and Taragarh (1641-42 AD).
  • Conquered Kullu and Busahr.
  • Built Manohargarh Fort.
• c. 1661 AD: Raja Bikram Singh.
  • Fought on North-West frontier against Yusufzai Pathan Tribe. Mortally wounded.
• c. 1675 AD: Raja Raj Singh (succeeded Bikram Singh).
  • Combined with Chatar Singh of Chamba, Kirpal Dev of Jammu, Dhiraj Pal of Basholi against Lahore Viceroy Khwaja Riza Beg.
  • Defeated Mughal forces (under Hussain Khan, Kiladar of Kangra Fort) to save Mandi and Kahlur.
• c. 1695 AD: Raja Dalip Singh (son of Raj Singh).
  • Only seven years old; Raja Udai Singh of Chamba appointed guardian.
  • Chamba, Siba, Kahlur, Mandi helped repel Jammu and Basholi invasion.
• c. 1730 AD: Raja Govardhan Singh.
  • Quarreled with Adina Beg Khan (Governor of Jallandhara Doab), emerged victorious.
• c. 1760 AD: Raja Prakash Singh.
  • 1758 AD: Guler came under Ghamand Chand of Kangra’s control.
  • 1776 AD: Acquired supreme power in the hills.
  • 1785 AD: ‘Kalla ilaqn’ captured by Dhian Singh, who became sovereign and repulsed Raja Sansar Chand.
• c. 1790 AD: Raja Bhup Singh.
  • 1809 AD: Guler came under Ranjit Singh’s control (along with other Kangra group states). Bhup Singh treated with respect.
  • 1811 AD: Guler was the first state annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Desa Singh Majithia captured Kalla fort.
• c. 1820 AD: Raja Shamsher Singh (succeeded Bhup Singh).
  • 1826-1877: 26th Raja of Guler.
  • Liberated Haripur fort from Sikhs in First Sikh War.
  • Died in 1877 without a male heir; state lapsed to British empire.
• c. 1877-1884 AD: Raja Jai Singh (brother of Shamsher Singh).
  • 1878: Granted title ‘raja’.
  • 1877: Jagir in Jaswan (21 villages) and family garden/buildings restored by British (at request of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu & Kashmir).
• c. 1884-1920 AD: Raja Raghunath Singh (elder son of Jai Singh).
  • 1909 (March 15): Conferred hereditary title ‘raja’ by Viceroy Lord Minto.
• c. 1920-1959 AD: Raja Baldev Chand (son of Raghunath Singh).
  • First ‘Viceregal Darbari’ in Kangra district.
  • Haripur fort in his possession.
• c. 1959-Present: Raja Brijesh Chand (30th hereditary Raja).

II. Jaswan State

• Founder: Purab Chand (Katoch cadet) around 1170 AD. First offshoot from Kangra.
• Capital: Rajpura.
• Clan Name: Jaswal.
• Location: Jaswan Dun (now Una district, HP).
• Early Rulers (after Purab Chand): Parab Chand, Bishu Chand, Gopal Chand, Sirbalik Chand, Dhula Chand, Sulochan Chand, Auld Chand, Udhan Chand, Nripat Chand, Udham Chand, Bikh Chand, Sirkar Chand, Mubarak Chand, Gobin.cl Chand, Bikram Chand, Anirudh Chand.
• 1572 AD: Raja Gobind Chand (Jaswan ruler).
  • When Raja Jai Chand of Kangra was arrested by Akbar, his son Bidhi Chand was put in charge of Gobind Chand, who successfully defended Kangra Fort.
• 1588-89 AD: Anirudh Chand (grandson of Gobind Chand) joined rebellion led by Bidhi Chand against Akbar.
• Later Rulers: Sameer Chand, Man Singh, Ajab Singh, Ram Singh, Ajil Singh, Jaggar Singh, Abhi Ram Chand Singh, Jagrup Chand Singh, Pril Singh.
• c. 1800-1849 AD: Raja Umed Singh.
  • Remained loyal to Imperial Darbar, then under Sikhs.
  • 1786: Came under Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
  • 1806: Sided with Gurkhas against Sansar Chand.
  • 1809: Came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  • 1815 AD: Jaswan state annexed to Sikh kingdom. Umed Singh submitted, received a Jagir of Rs. 12,000/- annual value.
  • 1848 AD: Joined revolt against British; deported to Almora with son Jai Singh, where they died.
• c. 1849-1863 AD: Raja Jai Singh (son of Umed Singh). Died in Almora.
• c. 1863-1892 AD: Raja Ran Singh (29th Raja).
  • Born 1833. Received Jagir of Ramkot in Jammu.
  • 1877: Jaswan Jagir (21 villages) restored by British.
• c. 1892-1918 AD: Raja Raghunath Singh (30th Raja, son of Ran Singh).
  • Born 1852. Granted personal title “Raja” (not hereditary for administration).
• c. 1918-1945 AD: Raja Lakshman Singh (31st Raja).
  • Born 1904. Head of Royal family, resided at Ramkot.
• c. 1945-1948 AD: Raja Chain Singh (32nd Raja).
  • Moved to Amb at partition (1947).

III. Siba State

• Founder: Sibarn Chand (or Sibram Chand) (younger brother of Guler ruling chief) around 1450 AD.
• Clan Name: Sibaia.
• Location: Bounded by Jaswan, Punjab plains, Guler, Datarpur, Kangra.
• Early Rulers (25 in succession after Sibram Chand): Hemi Chand, Prahlad Chand, Jeet Chand, Udhan Chand, Autar Chand, Rup Chand, Manak Chand, Nirmudh Chand, Jai Chand, Kailash Chand, Prag Chand, Sansar Chand, Narain Chand, Trilok Chand, Kishan Chand, Jai Chand, Prithi Chand, Amar Chand, Jaswant Chand, Bhag Singh, Lakel Singh, Madho Singh, Sher Singh, Gobind Singh, Ram Singh.
• 1622 AD: Mentioned in Jahangir’s Memories; Jahangir and Empress Noor Jahan visited Siba.
• 1786 AD: Subjected to Sansar Chand of Kangra’s control.
• c. 1806 AD: Raja Gobind Singh (ruling Raja).
• 1808 AD: Invaded and annexed by Raja Bhup Singh of Guler.
• 1809 AD: Came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
• 1830 AD: Ranjit Singh restored it to Raja Gobind Singh.
• Sikh Period Division: Siba state divided into two parts:
  • Siba State: Ruled by Raja Gobind Singh (1/3rd).
  • Siba Jagir (Kotla Branch): Given to Mian Devi Singh (1/4th), with fort under Sikhs.
• 1845 AD: Raja Gobind Singh died.
• 1848 AD: English rulers incorporated Siba Jagir (Mian Devi Singh’s territory) along with Datarpur, Jaswan, Guler.
  • Datarpur and Siba Jagir linked as Dadu-Siba (now Dada-Siba) and incorporated into British Kangra district.
• Raja Ram Singh (son of Gobind Singh) became Raja of Siba State.
  • Fought Sikhs in Second Sikh War, took Siba Fort, ousted Mian Devi Singh from his jagir.
  • 1874 AD: Raja Ram Singh died without heir; his Jagir transferred to Bijai Singh.
• 1874 AD (from this year): Raja Vijay Singh (became ruler of both Siba and Dada).
• 1920 AD: Raja Jai Singh (son of Vijay Singh) died.
• 1926 AD: Raja Gajindar Singh (son of Jai Singh) died.
• Present: Raja Sham Singh (head of family).

IV. Datarpur State

• Founder: Datar Chand around 1550 AD. Offshoot from Siba.
• Original Name/Clan Name: ‘Dadwal’ from Dada.
• Early Rulers (10 in succession after Datar Chand): Ganesh Chand, Chatar Chand, Udai Chand, Prithi Chand, Jai Chand, Dalel Chand, Ugar Chand, Nand Chand, Gobind Chand, Jagat Chand.
• 1758 AD: Northern province ‘Chauki’ annexed by Ghamand Chand of Kangra.
• 1786 AD: Completely seized by Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
• 1806 AD: Gobind Chand sided with Gurkhas in their Kangra invasion.
• 1809 AD: Became subject to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, reduced to Jagir status.
• 1818 AD: Gobind Chand died. Ranjit Singh decided to annex territory.
• 1818-1877 AD: Raja Jagat Chand (11th Raja, succeeded Gobind Chand).
  • Surrendered state, received Jagir of Rs. 4600/- per annum.
  • 1848 AD: Revolted with Katoch princes, deported to Almora, died 1877.
• 1883 AD: Raja Devi Chand (12th Raja, son of Mian Devi Chand). Born 1838.
• 1910 AD: Mian Surma Chand (13th Raja). Resided in Jammu, General in Jammu Maharaja’s army.
• 1910 AD: Raja Baldev Chand (14th Raja). Born 1910.
• 1960 AD: Raja Durga Chand (15th Raja, son of Baldev Chand) died.
• c. 1923-Present: Raja Udey Bhanu Chand (16th Raja, son of Durga Chand).
• Present: Raja Gyanendra Chand (17th Raja).

V. Nurpur State

• Original Capital/Nucleus: Prithwipur (later Pathankot).
• Ancient Name: ‘Audumbara’ (whole tract, due to Audumbara coins found).
• Early Capital Name: Dhameri (later Nurpur).
• Name Change: Nurpur name given during Raja Jagat Singh’s reign by Jahangir in honour of Empress Noor Jahan (1622 AD).
• Clan Name: Pathania (from Pathankot).
• Transfer of Capital: Pathankot to Dhameri (Nurpur) in Akbar’s time.
• Founder: Jhet Pal (younger brother of ruling Raja of Delhi), founded state around 1000 AD.
• Early Rulers (after Jhet Pal): Khetr Pal, Sushvin Pal, Jagat Pal, Ram Pal, Gopal Pal, Arjan (Ujjain) Pal, Varsha Pal, Jatan Pal, Vidhurath Pal, Jagan Pal, Kirat Pal, Kakho Pal, Jas Pal.
• 1313-1337 AD: Raja Jas Pal (contemporary of Ala-ud-din Khilji). Had nine sons.
• 1353-1397 AD: Raja Kailash Pal.
  • Defeated and wounded Tatar Khan (Governor of Khorasan).
  • Constructed irrigation channel from Ravi to Pathankot.
• 1397-1438 AD: Raja Nag Pal (eldest son of Kailash Pal).
• 1438-1473 AD: Raja Prithi or Phato Pal.
• 1473-1513 AD: Raja Bhil Pal (contemporary of Sikandar Lodhi, assisted him).
• 1513-1558 AD: Raja Bakht Mal.
  • Supported Lodhi, then Sur dynasty.
  • Maukot fortress erected by Salim Shah Sur during his reign.
  • Supported Sikandar Shah Sur against Akbar; executed by Bairam Khan in 1558 AD.
• 1558-1580 AD: Raja Pahari Mal (also Bihari Mal, Takht Mal). Peaceful reign.
• 1580-1613 AD: Raja Bas Dev (also Basu).
  • Transferred capital to Dhameri.
  • Revolted against Mughals multiple times (1585, 1589-90, 1594-95, 1602-03, 1603-04).
  • Close to Jahangir.
  • Built Nurpur Fort.
• 1613-1618 AD: Raja Suraj Mal (son of Basu Dev).
  • Ordered to join Mughal siege of Kangra Fort.
  • Proved disloyal, stirred up trouble, revolted against Mughals.
  • Fled to Chamba state, died there.
• 1619-1646 AD: Raja Jagat Singh (younger brother of Suraj Mal).
  • Assisted Mughals in capture of Kangra Fort (1620 AD).
  • 1622 AD: Emperor Jahangir and Noor Jahan visited Nurpur (Dhameri renamed Nurpur).
  • 1623 AD: Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) rebelled; Jagat Singh initially allied with him, later helped suppress.
  • 1623 AD: Invaded Chamba.
  • 1614-15 AD: Brought Basholi under his control (arrested Bhupat Pal).
  • 1640 AD: Revolted against Shah Jahan along with his son Rajrup.
  • Strengthened Maukot, Nurpur, Taragarh forts.
  • His warlike exploits mentioned in ‘The Rhapsodies of Gambir Rai-the Nurpur bard’.
• 1646-1661 AD: Raja Rajrup Singh (son of Jagat Singh).
  • Held high offices under Mughals; served Aurangzeb.
• 1661-1700 AD: Raja Mandhata (son of Rajrup Singh).
  • Last of Pathania Rajas to hold office under Mughals.
  • Built the Thakurdwara (Vishnu temple) in Nurpur Fort.
• 1700-1735 AD: Raja Dayadhata (son of Mandhata).
• 1735-1789 AD: Raja Prithvi Singh (son of Dayadhata).
  • 1752 AD: Punjab ceded to Ahmad Shah Durrani. Hill chiefs asserted independence.
  • 1758 AD: Adina Beg Khan (Viceroy) brought hill states under control for short time.
  • 1770 AD: Jassa Singh Ramgarhia made several hill states his tributaries.
  • 1775 AD: Supremacy passed to Jai Singh Kanheya.
  • 1785 AD: Nurpur acquired ‘Lakhanpur’ territory from Basholi.
• 1789-1815 AD: Raja Bir Singh (grandson of Prithvi Singh, son of Fateh Singh). Last ruling chief.
  • 1809 AD: Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra ceded Kangra Fort to Ranjit Singh.
  • 1812 AD: Ranjit Singh demanded tribute from Nurpur (Rs. 40,000/-).
  • 1815 AD: Failed to attend military assembly at Sialkot, fined beyond capacity.
  • Forced to surrender state, offered a Jagir.
  • 1816 AD: Plotted with Shah Shuja (Amir of Kabul) against Ranjit Singh.
  • 1826 AD: Raised a revolt in Nurpur; fled to Chamba, then delivered to Ranjit Singh, imprisoned.
  • 1846 AD: Raised standard of revolt, besieged Nurpur, died in battle before its walls.
• 1846-1898 AD: Raja Jaswant Singh (son of Bir Singh).
  • Received large grant from British.
  • 1848 AD: Wazir Ram Singh (Jaswant Singh’s chief officer) led revolt, proclaimed Jaswant Singh Raja.
  • Ram Singh captured, banished to Singapore.
  • Jagir of Rs. 5,000/- granted by Sir John Lawrence, doubled in 1861 for loyalty during 1857 revolt.
• 1898-1952 AD: Raja Gagan Singh.
  • Born 1882. 6th Viceregal Darbari.
  • 1909 (March 15): Hereditary title ‘Raja’ conferred.
• 1952-1960s (after): Raja Devendra Singh.

VI. Bangahal State

• Founder: A Brahmin who became a Rajput Raja.
• Clan Name: Bangahalia.
• Capital: Bir (in Bir Bangahal).
• Early Rulers: Used suffix ‘Pal’ with names; ‘Chandravanshi’ race.
• c. 1240 AD: Probably annexed by Raja Madan Sen of Suket.
• c. 1554 AD: Probably annexed by Raja Sahib Sen of Mandi.
• c. 1637 AD: Suraj Sen of Mandi invaded Bangahal, but driven back by Jagat Singh of Kullu, who seized a portion of territory.
• c. 1710 AD: Raja Prithi Pal.
  • Son-in-law of Sidh Sen of Mandi (1684-1728 AD).
  • Sidh Sen had designs on his principality.
  • Tricked into Mandi, murdered within a month.
  • His mother appealed to Man Singh of Kullu, who drove back Mandi forces but kept a large territory for himself.
• c. 1720 AD: Raja Raghunath Pal (succeeded Prithi Pal).
  • Shamsher Sen of Mandi attempted to seize Karanpur.
  • Invaded by Mandi (with Kullu’s help) as far as Paprola.
  • Bangahal split between Mandi and Kullu.
  • Raghunath Pal went to Punjab to meet Nadir Shah.

VII. Kutlehr State

• Size: Smallest principality in Kangra area.
• Progenitor: A Brahmin, later recognized as a Rajput.
• Founder: Jas Pal (head of family around 10th or 11th century).
  • Conquered ‘Talhati’ and ‘Kutlehr’ taluqas.
  • Established capital at ‘Kot Kutlehr’.
  • Bhajji and Koti states (Shimla hills) founded by his son and grandson.
• Clan Name: Kutlehria.
• 1758 AD: Northern province ‘Chauki’ annexed by Ghamand Chand of Kangra.
• 1786 AD: Completely seized by Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
• Gurkha Invasion: Raja restored with his territory.
• 1809 AD: Subjected to Sikhs.
• 1825 AD: Maharaja Ranjit Singh determined to annex. Laid siege to ‘Kotwalbah’ fort.
  • Raja Narain Pal defended for two months.
  • Agreed to surrender fort for a Jagir of Rs. 10,000/-.
• 1864 AD: Raja Narain Pal died. Succeeded by his son Raja Rajendra Pal.
• Last Known Head: Brijmohan Pal.